Constitution State is the fourth-most densely populated and third smallest state by area. However, its beautiful scenery and high standards attract expats from all over the world. Those that opt for living in Connecticut will be in the vicinity of some excellent educational, employment, and entertainment opportunities.
When moving to Connecticut, you’ll be staying in the birthplace of a polaroid instant camera, a hamburger, and a practical helicopter. As one of the 13 original colonies, CT is filled with historical sights but also with trendy shops and restaurants. To help you understand what being a resident here entails, we answered the questions like Is Connecticut a good place to live? and What are the benefits of living in Connecticut?
There Are Things You Should Know Before Relocating to CT
No matter where you are relocating, getting to know the area beforehand will make the adjustment period shorter and a lot smoother, this is especially important if you are moving abroad. That’s why let’s go over some of the basics about CT that will help you overcome culture shock when you relocate:
- It is one of the smallest states by area, and even though it is not a home to some of the richest cities in the world, Connecticuters earn the highest per-capita income in the whole US.
- One of the six New England states has twenty-one cities, nine boroughs, and one hundred sixty-nine towns.
- It is the most densely populated state in the country.
- It can be divided into three geographic regions – The Western and Eastern Uplands and the Central Lowlands.
- Almost 60% of the CT area is covered by forest with red maple as the most common tree. Vast green spaces are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and people relocating with pets.
CT Is an Excellent Choice for Career Chasers
When it comes to moving internationally, the unavoidable thing you need to do is look for employment after handling your finances. Luckily, the unemployment rate in CT is slightly lower than the national average.
That’s why, while your international moving company is preparing your things for shipping overseas, you can use your free time and look for a dream job. Among top industries in CT are real estate, insurance, and finances, so if you are looking for a job in these fields, check out Travelers, Bank of America, or GE Capital. However, if education, health, and service industries are more what you are aiming for, know that they employ the most people, around 342,600.
The manufacturing industry is dominated by Raytheon Technologies that employs around 19,000 residents. Other manufacturers in the area are submarine-maker Electric Boat, Boehringer Ingelheim, and ASML.
This is historically a center of gun manufacturing, so that’s why companies like Colt, Ruger, Mossberg, and Stag have their factories in CT. Tourism is also one of the industries that are blossoming in CT, as well as agricultural production of vegetables, tobacco, and fruit.
When thinking about employment, you are probably also wondering How much money do you need to live comfortably in Connecticut and Is it expensive to live in Connecticut. Depending on your employment and lifestyle, you will be more or less comfortable, earning an average of $71,000 a year. Keep in mind that some professions pay more, that’s how software engineers earn around 81,000 a year, while operation managers bank $73,000.
If you manage to land a job before moving across the world, talk to your supervisors and try to convince them to assist you with relocation in some way. If you are moving on a low budget, one of the main relocation questions to ask the employer is if they pay for your visa and cover relocation expenses.
The Low Crime Rates Make It Very Family-Friendly
Are you relocating with kids? If you are, one of the things you should check that will inevitably lower your relocation stress is the crime rates of your chosen destination. If you are set on becoming a Connecticuter, know that the crime has been decreasing steadily during the last 10 years.
You Can Choose One of the Safest Areas to Call Home
You went over crime rates, but if you are wondering, is Connecticut a good place to live, know that there are still some areas that are safer than others. If crime rates are on the top of your priority list when you are deciding where to put down some roots, check out some of the safest locations:
- Ridgefield, located in Fairfield County, has 90% lower crime rates than the national average, and it is safer than 95% of cities in the US.
- Westport is a coastal town with 97% lower violent crime rates than the national average, making it safer than 88% of all the country’s cities.
- Bethel is a CT town about 69 miles from New York City, and its crime rates are 75% lower than the national average.
When Looking for the Best Places to Live in CT Consider Simsbury and Greenwich
Relocation is a serious business that takes a lot of planning. That’s why when you make a moving checklist, figure out the way to balance your finances, and save enough money so that you could hire an overseas moving company. Having an overseas shipping company that provides you with packing and also moving services means you can dedicate your free time to house-hunting. According to the data from the website Niche, among the top-rated places to live in CT are Simsbury and Greenwich. Both bring something unique to their residents.
Embrace Community and Nature in Simsbury
If you are looking for a spot where you can escape fast and complicated modern life, give Simsbury a chance. This town in Hartford County is focused on community and nature. Here you can bike from one end of the town to another, enjoy charming little eateries, and shop in more than one locally owned business. Also, Simsbury has some excellent public schools making it a great spot to raise a family.
Relocate to Greenwich and Be Close to NYC Amenities
Relocating to Greenwich will put you 40 minutes away from NYC, but the location is not the only thing that charms people into staying. With more than a few beaches and marinas, this spot is ideal for folks that like to swim and sail. Furthermore, the landscapes like The Babcock Preserve offers approximately 300 acres of open spaces for hiking, horseback riding, and skiing. You can also tell movers to ship your car because you can hit the road whenever you need a change of scenery. After all, Bridgeport, New Haven, and even Boston are a drive away.
Be Prepared for Excellent Educational Opportunities When Living in Connecticut
When you are relocating to the area that is home to the first law school in the nation, Litchfield Law School, and the third-oldest institution of higher education, Yale University, you are bound to expect big things. A long list of private and public universities, as well as many community colleges, show that CT is ideal for folks pursuing higher education.
CT is the third state in the nation for educational performances according to data from the Quality Counts report. With a score of 83.5, its rank is higher than the US average. There are not only K-12 public schools but also private ones that draw students from all over the world.
There’s Something for Everyone When It Comes to Entertainment
One of the things you should consider when moving abroad, besides breaking the language barrier, is a variety of entertainment options. Adjusting to the new country as well as making friends will be easier if you can go out, explore, and meet people with similar interests. Luckily, those that opt for staying in CT will have their hands full with different fun activities. No matter if you are an outdoor enthusiast moving with your pet, or a person relocating for love looking for some romantic activities, you’ll find everything you need in CT and even more.
You Can Explore Mystic, One of the Most Interesting Places in the State
If you are moving overseas with your family, you can have fun together by finding a bunch of different activities you can all enjoy. As one of the most significant and interesting places in the state, Mystic is a historically significant seaport and leading maritime attraction. Since this village is a touristic destination, you can spend the day visiting:
- Mystic Seaport Museum, where you can learn about sailing or get hands-on lessons in blacksmithing
- For low-cost fun, visit Mystic River Bascule Bridge and snap a perfect photo while it raises
- Book an Argia Ship Cruise, enjoy the view, and bask in the sun while sailing on 81′ classic wooden schooner
- Stop by the Aquarium, where the stars of all shows are the beluga whales.
- Wine drinkers can stop by Saltwater Farm and Stonington Vineyards and sip some locally made reds and whites.
There Is More Than One Museum You Can Visit
No matter if you are into history or art, CT has a museum for every taste and preference, even for kids. While you are getting to know the location, check out:
- Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and get impressed with a big collection of everything from ballet costumes to roman antiques.
- Philip Johnson Glass House will surprise you with a variety of 30-foot tall sculptures
- Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center where you can experience Ice Age
- Mark Twain House and Museum and Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, where you can learn all about these historical figures.
You’ll Get Used to High-Quality Food and Drinks When Living in Connecticut
Even though the US is one of the friendliest countries in the world, adjusting to it and forming meaningful connections can be tricky. However, when you settle down, the best way to fit in is to explore and learn what makes the location special. If you are a foodie or a liquor aficionado looking for a spot to call home, CT just might be the location for you. After all, this is the birthplace of the hamburger, so you should expect a great food experience.
From unique Craftbird Food Truck sandwiches in Hartford to The Bakehouse in Litchfield that serves buttery croissants, cupcakes, and cookies, the area hosts many international cuisines and restaurants. You might not find one of the best vegan cities in the world in CT, but you won’t lack vegetarian options, just check out G-Zen in Branford that serves everything from organic soups to raw lemon lavender cheesecakes. If you are more comfortable getting to know people over a drink, you should definitely stop by Two Roads Brewing Company in Stratford. There you can enjoy not only seasonal ale but also the decor of the old manufacturing building where the brewery is located.
Becoming Connecticuter Comes With Many Benefits
When going over the living in Connecticut pros and cons list, you’ll see that the positives outnumber the negatives. However, if you are still wondering what are the benefits of living in Connecticut, take a look at the variety of employment, educational, and entertainment opportunities.
Becoming a Connecticuter will put you in a location with plenty of outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, and a diverse population. With strong expat communities around, you won’t ever be alone. Don’t overthink it too much, grab your documents, hire a Connecticut international moving company, and begin a new adventure as soon as possible.
